A grateful pub firm has thrown a special party for firefighters who battled to save Hartford Mill from a devastating blaze.

The riverside pub in Huntingdon was gutted in the fire a year ago, but Fayre and Square wanted to thank the crews for doing everything they could and to make sure everyone was safe.

More than 60 people, including the firefighters’ families, were invited to the party at Hartford Mill which opens its doors to the public on August 22.

General manager Paul Beales said: “We were honoured to be able to invite members of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and their families down to the pub to mark its reopening.

“The firefighters fought valiantly to tackle the blaze and ensure no-one was hurt.”

He said: “Thankfully, out of the ashes has risen a pub that is bigger and better than before with an expanded dining area and a newly-improved Wacky Warehouse soft play centre for the kids.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming the local residents back in to the pub.”

Firefighters’ children were able to test the Wacky Warehouse and a balloon modeller and face painter were on hand.

Station commander Richard Dykes, who was the officer in charge of the fire, said: “The incident at Hartford Mill was one of the biggest fires we had been to in a long time.

“The fire spread rapidly and crews worked tirelessly to save at least part of the building but it was devastating to see a social community asset lost in just a matter of hours.”

Richard said: “To have been invited back for the opening of the pub is heart-warming and many of our firefighters who were there one year ago walking over the rubble are overjoyed to have been invited back for a special opening ceremony. It’s fantastic to see it open again for the community to enjoy.”

An electrical fault caused the fire which destroyed the main part of the building.

The pub, which has a new Fayre and Square menu, is recruiting more front of house and kitchen staff and Paul can be contacted on 07787 410539.